Ultimate Warrior, Former Pro Wrestling Champion, is Dead

Three days after he was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame, the Ultimate Warrior, real name James Hellwig, has passed away at the age of 54.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

“WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of the most iconic Superstars in history, WWE The Ultimate Warrior. Warrior began his WWE career in 1987 and quickly became one of the biggest stars in the WWE. Warrior became WWE Champion at WrestleMania VI beating Hulk Hogan in an epic match,” the WWE wrote in a statement on its website.

“We are grateful just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior’s family, friends and fans,” the statement continues.

The Warrior’s recent activities with Wrestlemania came after an 18 year absence from the entertainment sport. In 1998, the professional wrestler ended his career in the ring. WWE chairman Vince McMahon wrote on Twitter , “We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters.”

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